31 Juli 2013

Unloading the new NH90 helicopters that arrived at RNZAF Base Ohakea on Sat 20 July 2013 (all photos : RNZAF)Two new NH90 helicopters were delivered to RNZAF Base Ohakea on an Antonov freighter, Saturday 20 July 2013.The NH90 is an advanced medium utility helicopter, capable of undertaking a wide variety of roles in New Zealand and overseas.

The RNZAF is introducing eight NH90 helicopters to replace the Iroquois fleet; four have been delivered, two more arrived in July 2013—but have yet to be formally handed over by the manufacturer—and the final two are expected in 2014.The NH90 is a product of more than 10 years of development and testing to meet stringent capability and low maintenance requirements.

PF-15 Gregorio del Pilar (photo : ed sy)MANILA, Philippines - Despite having acquired two second-hand warships from the United States, the Philippine Navy is still keen on purchasing brand new frigates.Philippine Navy flag officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano said the new acquisitions are still part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' bid for modernization."(The frigates are still) part of the modernization program. (We are) now in the process of coming up with the final documents for the bidding," Alano said.He added that five countries have so far expressed interest in joining the bidding namely the US, Israel, Croatia, Australia and South Korea.DND bought two Hamilton-class cutters BRP Gregorio del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) the past year. While the Del Pilar has started its service under the Navy, the Alcaraz is set to arrive in Philippines on August 3 and will be commissioned by September.Alano, however, said that once the bidding process has concluded, the Department of National Defense will determine the start of the new frigate project seen to boost maritime security.DND had announced that the upcoming new warships will cost the government P18 billion, higher than the earlier P11-billion budget.President Benigno Aquino III said in his fourth State of the Nation Address the primary necessities in education, health and jobs creation will be the administration's priority. However, Aquino assured the troops that the plans to beef up the armed services will continue."To those who have doubts, let me stress that we will continue to strengthen the armed forces through honest and reasonable means. And I myself will do this as soon as possible," he said.(PhilStar)

30 Juli 2013

The Soltam Systems' state-of-the-art Autonomous Towed Howitzer ATHOS 2052 is a long range 155mm 52 cal. Gun, achieving a max. range of 41 km. (photo : Soltam)MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Army, looking to modernize its equipment to boost territorial defense, on Tuesday got a glimpse of the wares showcased by four defense suppliers accredited by the Israel Defense Industries (IDI).The four firms conducted product demonstrations in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City to “enable the Philippine Army to determine the advance technology with regard to military equipment that will address the requirements in the field,” Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said.The firms include Israel Military Industries (IMI), ELBIT System Ltd., Israel Aerospace Industries, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. Their representatives gave the Philippine Army’s Technical Assessment Teams a sneak peek into their products.Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes was among the military and defense officials led by Patrick Velez, Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Installations and Logistics (OASAIL), in going over prospective defense products for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to buy under its modernization program.Among the products the Army is looking to purchase are surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and multiple launch rocket system (MLRS); Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Night Fighting Systems; and Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence equipment. Also on its shopping list are units of 155mm Computerized Autonomous Truck Mounted System, a modern version of the manually-operated 155mm howitzer.Meanwhile, the Air Force is considering the purchase of missile systems from Israel for the FA50 lead-in trainer jets that the country plans to buy, with a budget P18.9 billion, from the supplier Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) of South Korea.Cabangbang said Coballes invited the IDI to afford the Technical Assessment Teams a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the defense equipment, and thus boost their market research and analysis; and familiarize them with new technology and platforms regarding military hardware.(InterAksyon)

A Chinese-built Z-9 military helicopter, one of 12 purchased with loans from China, performs a test flight over Phnom Penh (CambodiaDaily)Cambodia has received the first two of a fleet of new Z-9 multirole helicopters purchased from China, with the remaining 10 aircraft to be delivered in mid-August.Initial test flights of the new helicopters, a license-built version of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin manufactured by the Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, were undertaken by Cambodian personnel on 19 July outside Phnom Penh, Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Banh was quoted in local press reports as saying."They can and will be used for many purposes such as carrying out rescue operations and transporting different materials and so on," the minister said.Chinese media sources have indicated that in addition to six Z-9B utility versions of the helicopter, the new fleet, which will replace Cambodia's ageing inventory of Soviet-era Mil Mi-8s and Mi-17s, will also include four armed Z-9Ws and two aircraft dedicated for VIP transport.(Jane's)

29 Juli 2013

Lockheed Martin Skyline Enterprise (photo : Lockheed Martin)CANBERRA, Australia, – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] will team with four leading air traffic management (ATM) technology providers to offer its Skyline Enterprise ™ solution for the Airservices Australia and Australian Department of Defence oneSKY AUSTRALIA procurement. Together, the team’s capabilities offer an enhanced air transportation network for all Australians. The teammates joining Lockheed Martin Australia Pty Ltd on its oneSKY AUSTRALIA solution include Australian-based partners Adacel Technologies Limited; Daronmont Technologies; and Frequentis Australasia Pty Ltd. In addition, Airbus ProSky with subsidiary, Metron Aviation, will join the team. Skyline Enterprise, one of the world’s most advanced ATM solutions, will feature capabilities that include Adacel Technologies’ flight path conflict detection tool and Frequentis Australasia’s voice communications and integrated tower products. Daronmont Technologies, a small-medium enterprise will provide extensive experience in engineering and deployment of complex systems to the Department of Defence. Metron Aviation is the current provider of Australia’s advanced air traffic flow management (ATFM) system, and their knowledge and skills will ensure the solution optimises airspace and airport resources. Combined, the team’s solution will provide Australians with more on-time departures and arrivals, improving their air travel experience. Additional benefits of the Skyline Enterprise solution include more efficient gate-to-gate ATFM; harmonised civil-military operations that ensure defence readiness; and more secure skies through advanced airspace management and flight path monitoring capabilities. “Lockheed Martin’s solution for the oneSKY AUSTRALIA requirement offers a new era of enhanced travel, air safety and more efficient commerce for all Australians,” said Raydon Gates, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Australia Pty Ltd. “Our team’s Australian expertise combined with our next generation air traffic management technology and complex systems integration capabilities will also help the economy through reduced carbon emissions and best-value operating costs.”(Lockheed Martin)

RAAF C-130 Hercules (photo : thebaseleg)Today in Perth, Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo and I witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Sale between Australia and Indonesia for five C 130H aircraft and associated equipment.During my visit to Jakarta in April this year, I confirmed that the Australian Government was willing to sell five C-130H aircraft, along with a simulator and spare parts, to Indonesia at a discounted rate.This offer was in addition to the four C-130H aircraft that Australia is currently in the process of transferring to Indonesia following discussions between our respective leaders in November 2011.The sale of a further five C-130H transport aircraft will further enhance Indonesia’s capacity to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crisis.The Memorandum of Sale was signed by Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, General Hurley, and Indonesia’s Head of Defence Facilities Agency, Rear Admiral Lubis.The Memorandum sets out the arrangements for the sale of the five aircraft, simulator and spare parts to Indonesia.Australia is pleased to continue to assist the development of Indonesia’s airlift capability, which will support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.The sale of these additional aircraft and associated equipment reflects the strength of the bilateral relationship between Australia and Indonesia, and the close ties between the Australian and Indonesian Defence forces.(Aus DoD)

25 Juli 2013

Boeing AH-6i light attack helicopter (photo : key.aero)MANILA (PNA) -- Four international helicopter manufacturers have participated in the pre-bid conference of the Dept. of National Defense's attack helicopter program.These firms are the Boeing Company, Eurocopter Group,AgustaWestland NV and MD Helicopters, Inc.All four aerospace companies have acquired the required bidding documents.The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation.Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington, the company has expanded over the years, and merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997.Boeing moved its corporate headquarters from Seattle to Chicago, Illinois, in 2001.It is made up of multiple business units, which are Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS); Engineering, Operations & Technology; Boeing Capital; and Boeing Shared Services Group.The Eurocopter Group is a global helicopter manufacturing and support company.It is the largest in the industry in terms of revenues and turbine helicopter deliveries.Its head office is on the property of Marseille-Provence International Airport in Marignane, France, near Marseille.Eurocopter's main facilities are at its headquarters in Marignane, France at Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH in Donauwörth, Germany and at Eurocopter España in Albacete, Spain.While AgustaWestland NV is a British-Italian multinational helicopter design and manufacturing company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica.It was formed in July 2000 when Finmeccanica and GKN merged their respective helicopter subsidiaries (Agusta and Westland Helicopters) to form AgustaWestland, with each holding a 50 percent share. Finmeccanica acquired GKN's stake in AgustaWestland in 2004.MD Helicopters, Inc. is an American aerospace company that produces helicopters primarily for military/civil aviation use. Coverage here includes the company's tenure as McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems, a subsidiary of McDonnell Douglas.The DND attack helicopter program has a budget of P3,441,460,000 and will be sourced from the General Appropriations Act and the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.The helicopters must have full night operation capability and complete weapon systems aside from integrated logistics support package."These helicopters shall be capable of performing close air support during day and night, and navigate safely during inadvertent instrument meteorological condition. Furthermore, they shall be equipped with armaments and avionics system highly suitable for said flying operation conditions. The guiding principles for this project shall be based on affordability and sustainability while conforming to the requirements of our Air Force in furtherance of accomplishing its mission," documents obtained by the PNA disclosed.Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project"Delivery of the goods is required within a period of 540 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit. Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project," the documents stated. (PNA)

KFX-E stealthy fighter concept based on its T-50 series (image : KAI)Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has published a drawing of a moderately stealthy fighter concept based on its T-50 series of supersonic trainers and light-attack aircraft. The concept aircraft is far smaller and less ambitious than the all-new, twin-engine KF-X designs promoted by the Agency for Defense Development, the leading proponent of building an indigenous South Korea fighter.Some South Korean industry officials doubt that the country has the technical resources to build the KF-X, especially if major civil aerospace programs go ahead at the same time; a 90-seat turboprop airliner is also proposed. But a KF-X derived from a current type would demand less engineering and may benefit from stronger pricing by avoiding competition with the Lockheed Martin F-35, although Saab is already in the market for advanced but moderately sized fighters with its Gripen E/F.The T-50 and its FA-50 light fighter derivative are themselves based on the F-16 and were developed with help from Lockheed Martin, but the stealthy concept, called KF-X-E, departs from the F-16 planform used for the earlier aircraft. Some wing and fuselage edges are parallel, and the trailing edges of the main and tail planes are swept forward. The fuselage sides have chines. Nose volume of the KF-X-E appears to be small, limiting the size of the radar antenna, but the airframe seems to have more volume overall than the T-50, offering more space for internal fuel and thereby minimizing the need for external tanks and their radar reflections.Retention of the single tail on the KF-X-E is emblematic of the limited ambition of the designers, who appear to have aimed at achieving a level of stealth above that of the Eurofighter Typhoon and Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet but well below that of the Lockheed Martin F-22 and F-35. The latter two, like other stealth aircraft, have canted twin tail fins.Similarly, the air inlets of the KF-X-E have boundary-layer diverters; recent stealth aircraft handle the boundary layer with aerodynamic shaping and no diverters. The KF-X-E may be too small for internal weapons stowage. No engine details are known, but South Korea may want to replace the T-50's General Electric F404, whose future application appears limited to the T-50 series, with another probably more powerful type. Candidates would include the GE F414 and Eurojet EJ200.The winner of the separate F-X Phase 3 competition for 60 fighters—Lockheed Martin, Boeing or Eurofighter—is expected to support KF-X development. Each manufacturer has proposed a design. Lockheed Martin's could conceivably be similar to but a little larger than the KF-X-E by introducing stealth features into the design of the F-16. The result would still be a fighter well-differentiated from the F-35.A key issue in developing the KF-X-E might be obtaining permission from Lockheed Martin, which presumably has intellectual property in the T-50 design or at least contractual rights to ensure that it does not become an F-16 competitor. Another obstacle is that the South Korean air force prefers twin-engine aircraft for the medium-fighter category that the KF-X would fill.KAI did not respond to a request for further information about the KF-X-E.(Aviation Week)

PAF Sokol helicopter (photo : PAF)MANILA, Philippines—”Of what use is a combat helicopter if you cannot use its machine gun?” President Aquino asked in his State of the Nation Address on Monday.On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the purchase of eight Sokol helicopters from Poland would be the last by the Department of National Defense (DND) since they could not be used in combat, after all.“I understand helicopters because I’m a combat officer. The first thing I noticed was, why do you have to remove the machine gun before you can get inside it? The entrance is too narrow, it’s all wrong,” said Gazmin, a former Army Special Forces commander.The P2.8-billion deal with Augusta PZL Swidnik of Italy and Poland for eight Sokol helicopters had been signed, sealed and delivered when he assumed office in July 2010, Gazmin said.“We just had to make the payment,” he said.The eight Sokol (Falcon in Polish) helicopters were delivered in two batches in 2012.The contract was finalized during the last months of the Arroyo administration when Norberto Gonzales, the national security adviser, was also defense secretary.When the first batch of four choppers arrived in March 2012, the PAF hailed the addition to their depleted air assets.The Sokols were supposed to replace the Vietnam-vintage UH-1H Huey helicopters the PAF used in search and rescue, medical evacuation and combat utility missions.But in his Sona on Monday, President Aquino said the helicopters could not be used to ferry soldiers to combat zones because the machine guns were mounted at the door, blocking entry and exit.“If you are a soldier entering the fray at the height of battle, of what use is a machine gun that is set aside and unable to fire? Did no one think about this before the contracts were signed? Why was this even approved in the first place?” Aquino said.Gazmin said he had not made up his mind whether or not to order an investigation and go after those responsible for the purchase of the Sokols even if these did not meet the PAF’s requirements.“We’ll study that. I cannot answer that question yet,” he said.He said the helicopters would be used in search and rescue missions and the DND would proceed with the acquisition of attack helicopters. “But no longer the Sokol. We are looking at other brands of aircraft and helicopters.”(Inquirer)

24 Juli 2013

Nakhoda Ragam class light frigate (photo : Militaryphotos)BAE Systems Ships at Centre of Dispute Set to Leave Barrow Docks After Years in LimboTHREE ships which have graced Barrow’s docks for more than five years after a dispute between BAE and the Sultan of Brunei are finally set to leave.The three Nakhoda Ragam class vessels were built by BAE in Scotstoun, Glasgow, for the Royal Brunei Navy.But after they were completed in 2002, Brunei refused to accept them, despite the ships being declared fit by the Royal Navy.It is understood Brunei attempted to pull out of the deal because of operating costs and a lack of sufficiently trained personnel to operate the ships.The legal battle was finally resolved by international arbitration in 2007 – in favour of BAE – and the ships were handed over to Brunei.They were then moved to Barrow in 2007 to be stored at the docks while the German Lürssen shipyard, which had been contracted by Brunei, tried to find a buyer.Now, after more than 10 years in limbo, a deal has been struck and the vessels are set to move to the warmer climate of Indonesia – in the weather the ships were designed to operate in.Indonesia has reportedly paid just a fifth of the original £600m price tag for the three vessels. The ships are expected to enter service with the Indonesian navy within the next year.The three corvettes are being maintained by Barrow shipping company James Fisher Marine Services.As part of the deal to sell the ships, James Fisher sought to erect temporary living accommodation on nearby council land to house some of their own technical staff who have been providing safety cover on the corvettes.The application was turned down by Barrow Borough Council but following an intervention by Barrow MP, John Woodcock, and undertakings by James Fisher to address the council’s concerns, Barrow Town Hall officers will now be supporting the planning application.Mr Woodcock said: “There is real economic value in keeping the corvettes in Buccleuch Dock, with Barrow-based employees working on board them and income for local businesses from the visiting sailors.”(NWEMail)

PTS-4 amphibious transporter (photo : kbtm-omsk)The Russian Defense Ministry is planning to include a new middle transporter PTS-4 in defense procurement in 2014, according to RIA Novosti . What is the number of machines can be purchased in the coming year and how much you plan to spend on them, is not specified.

According to the agency, the military were satisfied with booking cars, as well as the presence of her anti-aircraft machine gun with remote control and ammunition at 400 rounds. PTS-4 is equipped with a multi-fuel engine producing 840 horsepower. Weight transporter is 33 tons and 12 tons of load capacity ─ on land and 18 tons of water. With such a load machine is capable of speeds up to 60 and 15 kilometers per hour, respectively.

When creating a new conveyor used serial components and assemblies of existing tanks. In particular, TCP-4, and used caterpillar torsions from T-80, and the clutches and gears of the T-72. Patency conveyor land is comparable to that of T-80. The transport compartment PTS-4 can take any infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers and trucks.

Development of PTS-4 is Design Bureau of Transport Engineering of the Corporation "Uralvagonzavod", since 2009. Earlier it was reported that the machine is fully ready for production. In 2011, the PTS-4 passed state tests. The troops will replace the outdated transporters amphibious PTS-3 created on the basis of the T-64 and TCP-2. The exact number PTS-4, planned to purchase within the state armaments program will be determined in the autumn of 2013.(Lenta)

23 Juli 2013

Su-27 Vietnam People's Air Force (photo : lockonfiles)Kyiv (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukroboronservice state-owned enterprise, a part of the state-run concern Ukroboronprom, and Vietnamese VAXUCO have signed a contract on repairs of AL-31F aircraft engines for the Vietnam People’s Air Force.The press service of the state concern told an Interfax-Ukraine agency that, according to the contract, the Ukrainian side will repair AL-31F aircraft engines at the “Motor” Lutsk Repair Plant in Volyn region. According to a separate agreement, apart from the repairs, the Ukrainian side will also provide Vietnam with technical consulting on overhauls of AL-31F aircraft engines.The state concern did not disclose other details of the contract.The AL-31F aircraft engines were designed for the Sukhoi Su-27 fighter aircraft and its modifications.During a meeting between Ukroboronprom Director General Serhiy Hromov and Commander of the Vietnam People’s Air Force, Colonel General Phuong Minh Hoa before the signing of the contract, the sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further bilateral military and technical cooperation.Hromov said that in the near future the Ukrainian side would send to its Vietnamese partners its proposals on the supply and modernization of air defense equipment, aircraft and armored vehicles, as well as on repairs and upgrading of naval equipment. He stressed that training of Vietnamese experts was also an important part of cooperation.“This part will be taken into account during the signing of further contracts on supplies of military equipment to Vietnam,” he said.“Vietnam is a promising country for our national defense industry products and we will continue to strengthen Ukraine’s position on the marked of this dynamically developing country,” he said.In turn, Commander of the Vietnam People’s Air Force praised the signed agreements and cooperation development prospects with Ukraine.“These agreements open prospects for new contracts on repair documentation, tooling, and facilities for the repairs of aircraft engines. Ukraine is one of Vietnam’s strategic partners in the defense sphere. We are ready to expand cooperation in the spheres of the procurement of new arms, as well as the modernization and prolongation of durability of military equipment of the Vietnam People’s Army,” he said.Ukraine and Vietnam approved a plan and a program for military and technical cooperation for 2011-2015 in September 2010 on the results of the seventh meeting of their intergovernmental coordinating commission for military and technical cooperation.The sides have successful cooperation experience, in particular in the sphere of the modernization of a wide range of military equipment for the Vietnamese Army, the creation of an aircraft maintenance facility, and the development of a shipbuilding program for Vietnam.(Interfax)

Rheinmetall MAN truck (photo : Rheinmetall)The Australian Defence Force has contracted with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV) of Germany, a joint venture company of Rheinmetall AG and MAN Truck & Bus AG, to supply it with an extensive fleet of advanced logistical vehicles. Under a far-reaching modernization programme, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is procuring some 2500 protected and non-protected logistical vehicles from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia. The recently signed contract is worth €1.1 billion (AUD 1.58 billion).This order reinforces RMMV’s role as one of the world’s leading makers of military wheeled vehicles. In a hard-fought contest, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia overcame rival bids from top European and American competitors thanks to a compelling proposal that met the customer’s demanding specifications in every category.Following a meticulous selection process, the Australian military have thus opted for RMMV’s tried-and-tested, high-mobility, extremely robust family of vehicles. The new vehicles will replace the ADF’s current fleet, which is made up of equipment from a number of different manufacturers. These state-of-the-art RMMV systems will enhance the Australian military’s operational effectiveness and mobility as well as assuring improved crew survivability. In addition, having a uniform fleet will result in synergy effects with regard to spare parts, maintenance and training, resulting in substantially lower operating costs.Under this order, which forms part of Phase 3B of Australia’s “Land 121” modernization programme, Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia will be supplying trucks in a number of different weight classes in various configurations. These include medium and heavyweight recovery vehicles, heavy-duty logistical vehicles, integrated load handling systems as well as medium-sized cargo bed variants with cranes, fuel and water modules and tipper bodies.The first vehicles of “Land 121” Phase 3B are to be delivered starting in 2016, with the contract due for completion in 2020.RMMV is the Rheinmetall Group’s centre of excellence for logistical and tactical wheeled vehicles. Its Australian subsidiary will be in charge of managing this major procurement project. The vehicles themselves will be built at the RMMV plant in Vienna, Austria, where the order will assure a high level of capacity utilization for several years. Other tasks such as production of modules and some bodies, vehicle and C4I integration will be performed at Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia and its local partner companies.(Rheinmetall)

22 Juli 2013

La Tapageuse P691 a 55 meter patrol vessel, stationed in Papeete, French Polynesia (photo : mer et marine)The Philippine Coast Guard is set to acquire a former French Navy vessel worth €6 million to boost its off-shore patrol capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.Coast Guard commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said the procurement of 54.8-meter French Navy vessel La Tapageuse has already been approved by Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.Isorena said the PCG is looking forward to this new acquisition that is expected to boost its capability for maritime search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, maritime environmental protection and maritime security."This French vessel is multi-functional and it would be a major contribution to our fleet. Unlike other vessels that are more appropriate for (Search and Rescue) operations, this soon-to-be latest addition was made for sovereignty patrol and law enforcement", Isorena said.He added the vessel will be deployed to places like the West Philippine Sea, Northern Luzon, and Southern Mindanao.The Tapageuse has a built-in 40-millimeter anti-aircraft gun, a 20-millimeter anti-aircraft cannon, and two 7.62-millimeter machine guns.The PCG will be buying the ship at a reasonable price of €399,000 but the refurbishing of the ship would entail additional cost. The Philippine government will be spending a total of €6.295 million or an equivalent of Php 354,754,000 million.Tapageuse, until recently stationed in Papeete, French Polynesia, is expected to arrive in the country in April next year.The Coast Guard chief explained that while the vessel is already 26 years old, it was thoroughly inspected last year and it was assessed to have another 20 years of usage yet.The Philippine government is also in talks with French government for four brand new 24-meter and one 82-meter multipurpose vessels.Meanwhile, Isorena also mentioned the construction of 10 multi-role patrol boats with Japan and noted the PCG and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is in the last phase of the agreement resolving the issue that five of the boats would be made in Japan and five boats by shipbuilders in the Philippines.“One of the agenda in Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe scheduled visit to our country next month is to finalize the details of the agreement in the construction of the multi-role vessels. We anticipate the arrival of these ships in year 2016”, the PCG commandant said.The country’s maritime law enforcement agency is also anticipating the arrival of at least 25 out of a total 300 aluminium-hull boats this coming September. The remaining 275 boats, manufactured in Subic, will come in a staggered schedule until April next year. The boats, which can seat 10, will be deployed for interisland, coastline and harbor-type patrols.“There have been instances wherein our Coast Guard personnel had to hire the services of a fishing boat in order to respond to a situation and this takes time," Isorena said. He said the deployment of the aluminum-hull boats will improve the PCG's response time.(Coconuts Manila)

RAN Bell 429 helicopter (photo : Shephard)The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Bell 429 helicopter has been upgraded to allow operations at an internal gross weight of 7,500lbs as part of the Retention and Motivation Initiative 2 programme (RMI 2).The capability upgrade was delivered by Raytheon Australia in cooperation with the RAN under a $26 million four-year contract.The 500lb increase in internal gross weight will allow the Bell 429 to fly further and for longer while carrying more people, and each aircraft can now execute substantially more tasks in a single mission.During conversion training, the endurance level for a sortie with a crew of four has increased by 35 per cent. Operationally, the radius of action has grown by 100 per cent for some missions and the payload has increased by two people. This means that for missions where the platform could previously take four crew members, it can now carry six and still fly for 20 minutes longer. In addition to increasing mission duration, the platform’s avionics equipment has also been enhanced with the addition of a Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System. This makes the Bell 429 helicopter even safer and more flexible as it delivers a lower mission risk profile during flights in challenging conditions. Commodore Vincenzo Di Pietro, CSC, RAN Commander Fleet Arm, said: ‘The RMI programme provided through Raytheon Australia is a key enabler in ensuring the skills and competencies of junior aircrew are sustained whilst awaiting operational flying training.’Michael Ward, managing director, Raytheon Australia, added: ‘As a trusted partner to the RAN, Raytheon Australia is proud to deliver this capability upgrade to enhance the RMI2 mission. Importantly, in addition to delivering greater endurance and more lift for the Bell 429 helicopter, this advancement will also reduce per mission costs.’

The Bell 429 helicopters were introduced into service ahead of schedule in April 2012, under the RAN’s RMI 2 programme which enables junior qualified aircrew to consolidate and enhance their skills whilst awaiting operational flying training. ‘Together with our partner Bell Helicopter, we look forward to continuing to deliver on our commitments for the programme while exploring additional innovative capability upgrade opportunities for the platform over its lifecycle,’ Ward added.
(Shephard)

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Defense (DND) is currently in the market for two 40-foot rescue boat to boost maritime operations, a release said Friday.The agency set aside P20 million from its Quick Response Fund of P232 million for the new acquisition.Winning bidders should deliver the boats within 180 calendar days upon opening of the letter of credit, DND said.The purchase of rescue boats is among the department's recent investments including eight attack helicopters for P3.4 billion and 12 fighter jets for the Philippine Air Force.DND also opened the bidding for two Strategic Sealift Vessels last June.(PhilStar)

JAS-39 Gripen of RTAF (photo : Militaryphotos)Gripen fighter school in SA a missed opportunityThe fact that Saab’s Gripen Fighter Weapon School will most likely be located in a foreign country is a missed opportunity for South Africa, according to Saab.Magnus Lewis-Olsson, President of Saab South Africa, told defenceWeb at the Land Forces Africa conference Pretoria yesterday the School was planned to be housed at Air Force Base Overberg in the Western Cape. However, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has not supported this initiative.Lewis-Olsson did not comment on why the SANDF has not agreed to host the School, and said Saab is looking elsewhere in the world. He said Saab had completed its syllabus and was ready to begin construction of the School and start training. “Other countries are interested in the School,” he said, with countries like Thailand being good potential hosts.South Africa is a great location and it would have been a win-win situation to have the School in the Western Cape, as South African pilots would have benefitted, the Saab South Africa President said, adding that if the academy had gone ahead, it would have been a great opportunity to showcase South Africa’s capabilities. “We are not going to kick up a fuss about this,” Lewis-Olsson said referring to SANDF reluctance to partner with Saab on the academy. “It is a missed opportunity for Saab and South Africa.”In July last year Saab announced at the Farnborough Air Show that it would establish the School in South Africa, but shortly afterwards the SANDF denied the whole affair.Saab had planned to run the first course with at least six students in late 2013 using between four and six South African Air Force (SAAF) Gripen C/D fighters.A 1 000 square metres building at AFB Overberg would have been dedicated to the school and would have included briefing and debriefing rooms, a lecture hall, lunchroom, locker rooms, a gym and sauna, offices and IT infrastructure. South African and Swedish Air Force instructors would have conducted the course, Saab said.(Defenceweb)

18 Juli 2013

Collins class submarines (photo : Aus DoD)After more than a decade of controversy, shipbuilder ASC says it has finally solved outstanding problems with the navy's six Collins submarines.Steve Ludlam, managing director of ASC, formerly the Australian Submarine Corporation, said he believed Collins' much publicised problems were now behind them."We are getting a much higher level of availability. We are getting good reliability at sea," he told AAP."They are very complex machines and we can't guarantee that everything will run perfectly all the time, but the principal areas of concern have now been solved."Collins submarines had a range of problems from the outset, including excessive noise and an unreliable computerised combat system, prompting an extended and costly remediation program.But reliability problems persisted with Collins' diesel-electric propulsion system. Each boat has three large diesel engines, three generators and an electric motors. Each has had problems.Mr Ludlam said they had been able to work out how to reduce diesel engine vibration and a reliable engine-start system."Our engineer team here at ASC, who are some of the world's best, have been able to figure that through," he said."We worked with an international diesel specialist company to make sure we were getting the right answers."Neither were generators problem-free."We found a method of rewinding those generators. They are much more reliable now. Progressively we are replacing generators on the submarines," he said.Similarly, the large electric motor experienced a particular issue where the windings had relaxed."Working with the DSTO (Defence Science and Technology Organisation) and DMO (Defence Materiel Organisation) we have figured out to fix that and progressively we are fitting that fix to each of the submarines as they come in for various levels of maintenance," he said.ASC is now working on two of the Collins subs.HMAS Collins, the first of the Collins boats has been undergoing full cycle docking, a regular and comprehensive refurbishment, since last August. That should run for two years.HMAS Rankin, the youngest of the Collins boats, has been out of the water for six years and mothballed for much of that time. Its full cycle docking started in 2011 and it should be back in the water next year.(Sidney Morning Herald)